When it comes to an emergency or survival situation, frostbite and hypothermia are no joke. The purpose of having an EDC is to increase the likelihood that you’ll be prepared for whatever life may throw at you at any given moment.
One of the things most people consider to be a part of their EDC is the jacket. But which jacket should you be considering in the best one for everyday carry?
First, we’ll discuss the features and other criteria that are ideal in the EDC jackets, then we’ll give a list of the best ones to consider. No matter which climate you live in, the capacity of your EDC jacket to keep you dry and protected can be crucial in a survival situation.
What to Consider When Considering the Best EDC Jackets
- How Waterproof is it?
- Is it made from Quality Materials?
- Does it have a Hood?
- How Warm or Windproof is it?
- Are there sufficient pockets to store your EDC gear?
- Is it comfortable enough to wear for a wide range of activities?
Other Desirable Features
- Adjustable Wrist Cuffs
- Front Storm Flaps Over Zippers
- Adjustable Hem
- Pit Zips
- YKK or Other High-Quality Zippers
Quick disclosure: when you click a 3rd party link on this website, and then make a purchase on that other website, we may earn a commission (at no cost to you). As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
#1. Rothco Special Ops Soft Shell Jacket
The Rothco Special Ops Soft Shell Jacket comes with a ton of pockets and is made of a water-resistant fabric with fleece layer and a mesh wicking layer. Does well down to mid-30 degrees Fahrenheit without any additional layers.
Adjustable rubberized wrist cuffs, 2 pockets on each arm, pit zips, 2 high chest pockets with interior pocket and interior D-ring. Comes with a retractable, removable hood and rear game pocket. Great value for not a lot of money.
#2. Condor Men’s Softshell Jacket
The Condor Men’s Softshell Jacket is a basically a high quality knock-off of the Tad Stealth Hoodie.
The quality of the stitching and fabric is high which makes it a great value for the money. It comes with a breathable mesh liner and pit zips.
Good protection against the wind, with amazing retractable hood, but no storm flap for the zipper. Although it does have DWR, it’s not the best protection against prolonged rainy weather.
When it comes to pockets, the Condor has a total of 8, including a back “game” pocket, for organizing your EDC gear. For warmth, be sure to add layers underneath the softshell. The jackets do tend to run small so when ordering consider a size up from your normal size.
#3. Men’s Seven J Jacket by Helly Hansen
Men’s Seven J Jacket by Helly Hansen is windproof, waterproof, and breathable. Fully seam sealed with a durable water repellent treated exterior.
Fixed hood and storm flap with quick dry lining make it a great wet weather jacket.
Sheds water well and is roomy enough to add layers underneath for colder weather without being bulky.
Adjustable wrist cuffs, waist, and multi adjustable hood allow you to cinch up to protect against wind and rain. The zippers are YKK but they are a bit small and not as easy to operate when wearing gloves.
#4. Patagonia Torrentshell Jacket
Patagonia Torrentshell Jacket will take you through a variety of weather including rain, snow, sleet, etc. It’s one of the best EDC jackets because it’s comfortable no matter what type of activity you are doing.
It looks good if you’re running errands in town, hiking, camping, whatever and when you don’t need it, just roll it up into one of the hand warmer pockets and clip it to your belt or backpack.
It weighs in at just under one pound and is made of ripstop nylon with a DWR coating for water resistance.
For changing weather, it has both interior and exterior storm flaps on the zippers, a breathable layer, pit zips, taped seams, and an adjustable hood with a visor which makes it a decent outer layer against wind and rain.
#5. Arc’teryx Atom Lt Hoody
Arc’teryx Atom Lt Hoody makes a good jacket for hiking, camping, climbing, or traveling.
It works best in mild weather on its own or as a mid-layer against in temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s durable and extremely water resistant.
The waist and hood are drawstring adjustable and there are three pockets for organizing your EDC gear. A great jacket that will hold up over the years but is typically higher priced than other jackets.
#6. Men’s Hooded Softshell by Diamond Candy
Men’s Hooded Softshell by Diamond Candy is a rainproof and weatherproof jacket that is very affordable by most standards. The zippers are high quality with storm flaps that snap at top and bottom.
Not as breathable in warm weather, it does have pit vents, but best for temperatures 35 degrees Fahrenheit and below. For added warmth wear a fleece layer underneath. Wrist cuffs and bottom hem are adjustable. The jacket has two exterior pockets and two very large interior pockets. It does rustle when moving so not the best option for activities that require stealth.
#7. Bear Gryll’s Men’s Mountain Jacket
Bear Gryll’s Men’s Mountain Jacket is made of aqua dry fabric and is completely waterproof.
The hood is multi-point adjustable with a reinforced visor and moves with you so as not to impair your vision. Non-slip shoulder patches stop your backpack straps from slipping.
The jacket has large quality zippers with Velcro closure storm flaps and adjustable wrist closures and hem to keep rain and wind out.
Interior has a breathable mesh interior and small left interior pocket. The jacket includes two large pockets on the exterior and a small wrist pocket to store your gear.
#8 Mustang Survival Classic Float Coat
Mustang Survival Classic Float Coat is one of the best EDC jackets for those who spend a lot of time in or around water. It’s waterproof and breathable and is classified as a type III life jacket with integrated foam panels.
The jacket also has some protection against heat loss and is equipped with reflective tape on the arms and chest. Seams are 100% tape sealed and the jacket includes an adjustable hood and pit zips.
#9. Outdoor Research Men’s Helium II Jacket
Outdoor Research Men’s Helium II Jacket is ultra-light and waterproof. The hem and hood are adjustable.
Seams are taped and wrists have elasticized cuffs to keep rain and wind out. It has one small zippered chest pocket and an interior pocket which can be used to fold the jacket into itself.
#10. Men’s Koldo Rain Jacket by Kryptek
Men’s Koldo Rain Jacket by Kryptek is completely waterproof and made to keep you dry in any type of rainy weather.
It has arm pockets, a high chest pocket and a small interior pocket for storing gear. It’s a great everyday jacket that can work for colder weather if you layer appropriately underneath.
The hem, hood, and wrist cuffs are adjustable to keep rain and wind out. This jacket is part of the Kryptek three-ply rain set.
#12. The Truspec Gen 2 Parka
Truspec Gen 2 Parka shell is water and windproof and has 3 pockets. For extra protection against cold weather add microfleece layer underneath.
The hood is adjustable and retractable. The wrist cuffs and hem are adjustable, and the jacket includes the main zipper has a snap closure storm flap. Two large exterior side pockets and a pen pouch on the arm.
The interior is designed to zip in a liner for added warmth if needed and includes a snow skirt and a hidden pocket on each side.
Best EDC Jackets for Extreme Winter Weather
For EDC in extreme winter weather or climates that are colder all year round, consider one of the following:
What’s your favorite jacket for EDC? Is it one of the best EDC jackets we’ve listed above? Did we forget your favorite or include one that you think shouldn’t be there? Let us know and give us your likes/dislikes below.
